The Baltimore Orioles signed the first prospect from one of Major League Baseball's China development centers on Monday, something the league hopes becomes a trend.

Xu Guiyuan, a 19-year-old outfielder/first baseman, signed a Minor League contract tied to next season.

"Xu has been working hard at the MLB Development Center, and we hope he'll be the first of many future major league players from China," Dan Duquette said. "He has excellent balance at the plate and very good left-handed power, which we think will play well at Oriole Park at Camden Yards."